Air-Fried Zucchini: Quick, Easy, And Healthy

Cooking zucchini in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this delicious and versatile side dish. It only takes 8-12 minutes to cook, and the result is browned, slightly crispy zucchini that isn't too mushy in the middle. To cook zucchini in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 400°F, trim the ends off the zucchini, and slice them into halves or 3/4-inch slices. Place the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap, and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking or tossing halfway through. You can season the zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and serve with a squeeze of lemon juice.

How to prepare zucchini for the air fryer

To prepare zucchini for the air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, trim the two ends off of each zucchini and slice them in half lengthwise, end to end. Cut the zucchini into ¾-inch slices. Place the zucchini slices in a medium bowl and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the zucchini to ensure an even coating of oil and seasoning.

Next, lay the zucchini pieces flat in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they do not overlap, so work in batches if necessary. Leave enough room for the air to circulate. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, shaking or tossing the zucchini halfway through cooking. The zucchini is ready when it is golden-brown and can be easily pierced with a fork. Add additional time if needed, until the zucchini reaches your desired level of crispness or tenderness.

For thicker zucchini slices, you may need to increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes. Drizzle with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

How long to cook zucchini in an air fryer

Air frying zucchini is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty vegetable. It only takes 8-10 minutes to cook zucchini in an air fryer, but you may need to add an extra 2-3 minutes if you prefer your zucchini thicker.

To start, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While you're waiting, trim the ends off your zucchini and slice them in half lengthwise, then into 3/4-inch slices. Place the zucchini slices in a bowl and add olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the zucchini to ensure each slice is coated.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking or tossing the zucchini halfway through. The zucchini is ready when it is golden brown and can be easily pierced with a fork.

If you prefer your zucchini to be crispier, you can add additional time until it reaches your desired texture. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.

How to season zucchini for the air fryer

To season zucchini for the air fryer, rub the whole vegetable with olive oil, salt and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

To prepare the zucchini, trim the ends and slice in half lengthwise, then cut into 3/4-inch slices. Place the zucchini in a medium bowl and toss with the olive oil, salt and pepper.

Lay the zucchini pieces flat in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-12 minutes, shaking or tossing halfway through. The zucchini is ready when it is golden-brown and can be easily pierced with a fork.

What to serve with air fryer zucchini

Zucchini is a simple but versatile side dish. You can serve it with air fryer country-style ribs, air fryer frozen pork chops, air fryer turkey breast, or air fryer turkey legs.

If you want to keep things vegetarian, you could serve it with grilled halloumi, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

For a heartier meal, zucchini goes well with quinoa or brown rice. You could also try serving it with a bean or lentil-based dish for added protein.

And don't forget the squeeze of lemon juice before serving!

How to avoid zucchini becoming mushy in the air fryer

To avoid zucchini becoming mushy in the air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, trim the ends off your zucchini and slice them into halves lengthwise, followed by ¾-inch slices. Place the zucchini slices in a bowl and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper. It is important to ensure that the zucchini pieces are laid flat in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with no stacking or overlapping. This allows for even cooking on both sides and prevents mushiness. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking or tossing the zucchini halfway through. The zucchini is ready when it is golden-brown and can be easily pierced with a fork. If you prefer your zucchini with a bit more bite, you can leave them whole, rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then grill or broil them. This method will give you a nice brown exterior with a slightly firmer middle.

Frequently asked questions